Phillips Medisize in Medford to Close  June 7, 2023

 

MEDFORD, Wis.  - A local manufacturing company starts its layoff process in Medford according to a letter to the Department of Workforce Development on Tuesday. 

 

Phillips-Medisize in Medford, with nearly 170 employees has begun the process to permanently close.

 

Last August, Phillips-Medisize announced after “careful consideration and analysis of its global footprint” it will end operations at the Medford plant.  Since that time, though less than 25% of workforce was impacted. The layoffs are now hitting the Medford community. 

 

Production at the Medford plant will shift north to the facility in Phillips. The Phillips location has the size and capabilities to support its customers in the future.

 

Phillips-Medisize, a Molex company backed by Koch industries, is a global manufacturer of commercial and medical solutions.

 

According to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development WARN notice, Phillips anticipates a permanent layoff of approximately 83 employees, beginning on or about Aug. 7 with approximately 46 employees being affected at that time. Of the 46 set to be laid off in August, 28 are operators. The reduction of another approximately 37 positions will take place in phases and is expected to be complete by the end of September.  With the 60-day notice they were likely told earlier this week. 

 

Phillips-Medisize has other locations in Wisconsin in Eau Claire, Menomonie, New Richmond and Hudson with job openings and the current Medford employees will be able to apply for roles at these sites as well as at other Molex and Koch locations, a media statement said.

 

In a statement in August company officials did confirm that all 170 positions would be let go from the Medford plant. In addition, around 100 employees will be let go from the Hudson plant, which is downsizing but not closing down.

 

Phillips-Medisize first came to Medford in an expansion from the Phillips community about 50 years ago in the early 1970s.